5 Reasons to Charter a Yacht in Guadeloupe

After spending five months living as a local in Guadeloupe, our charter broker Alice, found many reasons to charter in this Franco-African archipelago known by many as “Gwada”. A mixture of languages, cultures and activities makes these islands among the most diverse that the Caribbean has to offer. Here is why:

1. Island Hopping
The sailing possibilities are endless around the five islands that make up the French Caribbean archipelago of Guadeloupe. Each Island of Guadeloupe has a distinct and raw vibe and still manages stay in tune with its African and French roots.

Grande Terre – Perfect for surfing, Creole inspired food markets and white sand beaches.

One of the many stunning beaches on Grande Terre

A collection of Caribbean spices at a market in Grande Terre

Basse Terre – A perfect stop off to visit waterfalls, diving, natural beauty spots including the national park and natural hot baths.

La Désirade

Iles des Saintes – This archipelagio within the archipelago is a sailors paradise, ideal for exploring on bike and for water activities such as paddleboarding.

Marie-Galante – Well known for beaches such as La Feuillère, its stunning coral reef and 19^th century sugar-cane plantation.

Or If you fancy visiting even more islands you can always sail to to neighbouring islands of Antigua (33 nautical miles), Dominica (26 nautical miles) or Martinique (52 nautical miles).

2. The perfect blend of Rhum and Croissants
Due to its French legacy, every street in this Creole paradise will have a French Patisserie and, most definitely, a Rhumerie. Creole specialities are diverse from every other Caribbean island and typically include accras de morue (cod fritters), bananes flambées, fricassé de poulpe (octopus) and even a deep fried ‘Bokit’ sandwich with a variety of French fillings. It may be the only place in the world where a relaxing two hour lunch is acceptable. To begin, a Ti’Punch, a rum based aperitif, followed by a Caribbean curry and a bottle of French wine. From the finest of restaurants to street shacks, you are guaranteed to be able to find some of the most diverse food and drink that the Caribbean has to offer.

3. Diving
The diving schools on the Reserve Cousteau are among the most reputable in the world. There is even a Jacques Cousteau statue at one of the dive sites. The relaxed nature of these French dive schools will give you an authentic experience exploring these crystal waters, and the opportunity to see some of the largest varieties of fish in the Caribbean. There area multitude of diving options from snorkelling, first time diving, exploring or deep shipwreck dives.

4. The Beaches
There are 270 beaches spread across the islands of Guadeloupe and all are known to be gorgeous. There are both white and black sand beaches and even volcanos in the distant landscape. Each beach has a different vibe and many have quaint beach bars that serve planteur until the early hours.

5. Accessibility
There are direct flights from Miami, New York and Paris to Pointe-à-Pitre, Guadeloupe’s main airport, which makes this archipelago of islands a must-visit for your next charter. There is also a ferry service from Antigua and many flights from other Caribbean islands.

Boatbookings has been organising charters in the Caribbean for over 14 years. If you are interested in chartering a yacht in Guadeloupe, please do get in touch with our expert brokers here. We have yachts available for charter in many amazing Caribbean destinations.

For further information about passports and visas when visiting Guadeloupe, click here.

Posted on October 9, 2018 by Alice Newnham

Superyacht of the week: PLANET NINE

motor yacht, superyacht, luxury yacht, yacht planet 9, explorer yacht — Stunning M/Y PLANET NINE. Image credit: Yachtfolio

PLANET NINE is a 73m, 2018 new-build NCA-Carrara crewed motor yacht, and thanks to her imposing grey hull, spacious sun deck, incredible interior and helipad she is our favourite super yacht of the week by a (nautical) mile. She cruises with a sought after itinerary, being based in the glamorous South of France in the summer with opportunities to explore the Med, then crossing to the idyllic Caribbean and Antarctica in the winter. The ultimate explorer yacht, she is built for long-range global cruising and is suitable for sailing in icy conditions. With helipad and high speed tenders, all manner of adventures await charter guests onboard PLANET NINE.

PLANET NINE does not come alone, as her water toy selection and tenders are extraordinary. With a Rib at your disposal, the crew can speedily get you ashore to discover secluded coves and lovely lagoons, so there is no hotspot you cannot reach. Imagine pulling up at a secluded bay on the fantastic French Riviera, dropping anchor, and feeling the excitement of speeding along the infamous coastline of Billionaire’s bay on a Jetski. If you are an enthusiastic diver, the crew are well equipped to take you on a memorable underwater adventure to spot the varied colour palette of the fish.

motor yacht, superyacht, luxury yacht, crewed motor yacht, planet nine, yacht planet nine — Helipad onboard – Image credit: Yachtfolio

This mesmerising yacht is well suited to the fitness enthusiasts out there, with an active crew who can work out with you, as well as extensive gym equipment so you can exercise with the ocean as your backdrop.

When you have worked up a sweat, it is time to relax on the sundeck, where a glass of bubbly and the refreshing Jacuzzi awaits. Whilst cruising with magnificent views of the Greek islands or Caribbean shoreline floating past, you will feel utterly content on the spacious upper deck – the ideal spot for a continental breakfast or candlelit dinner.

With so many difference exterior spaces to enjoy al fresco dining and socialise, matched by a contemporary and original interior, you will find it difficult to leave the comfort of PLANET NINE! Not to mention the masseuse services available, just relax and unwind. The cinema room is the perfect spot to settle into the sumptuous sofas after an exciting day and enjoy a movie night with the family. Despite all that PLANET NINE has to offer onboard, stepping ashore will be worthwhile, be it the quaint towns of old town Dubrovnik or the glitz and glam of the French Riviera events.

PLANET NINE is available for charter in Antarctica this winter, followed by Patagonia, Panama and then the Western Med, including Croatia, Greece, the Amalfi Coast, Sardinia and French Riviera. She is for charter starting at €650,000 per week plus expenses. If PLANET NINE impresses you as much as the Boatbookings team, please do get in touch with you and we will be delighted to assist you throughout the process of organising this unforgettable trip.

Posted on October 5, 2018 by Ben Sutton

Superyacht of the Week: CLOUD 9

motor yacht, crewed motor yacht, yacht cloud 9, cloud 9 — Stunning Superyacht CLOUD NINE – Image Credit: Yachtfolio.

You will undoubtedly be on cloud 9 with this extravagant and contemporary yacht! At 74m, CLOUD 9 boasts four exquisite decks, each offering entertainment and luxurious amenities. She is chosen as our Super Yacht of the Week due to her unique features – including her impressive beach club, sizeable main deck pool, saloon cinema and last but by no means least, the sky lounge dining area, these make her stand out from other yachts her size and design.

CLOUD 9 spends her summers along the fantastic French Riviera, before crossing the ocean to the Caribbean to chase the sun. The lower deck offers a beach club, unrivalled by most, so you can enjoy the colourful French Riviera towns such as Villefranche from the privacy of your own yacht. Sip a cool beverage of your choice served to you by your attentive crew, before sampling the wide array of water sports on offer. Get your adrenaline pumping off the coast of Monaco flying through the ocean on the Jetski, or get on the paddleboard and explore the secluded coves close up.

The yacht offers a Jacuzzi, so you can admire the idyllic Caribbean islands float past as you bathe in the bubbles. As the sun goes down head to the upper deck which provides the upmost comfort on its beanbags and sunpads, so you can unwind with a sundowner and enjoy the views with friends and family.

crewed motor yacht, motor yacht cloud 9, yacht cloud 9 — Check out this dreamy upper sundeck! Image credit: Yachtfolio

For dinner, CLOUD 9 offers an unrivalled setting. The circular table enjoys the comfort and warmth of inside in the intricate interior, yet the glass revolving doors offer panoramic views of the serene spot of anchorage. As you sample the creative cuisine your private chef provides, you can feel the gentle summer breeze whilst getting a taste of local delights.

Enter the main saloon and you are welcomed into a world of elegance and style. The colourful furnishings and textured walls add personality to CLOUD 9, creating characteristic surroundings that everyone will appreciate. Do not forget that CLOUD 9 is a 2017 build, so you have all the contemporary features and the latest technology throughout.

The cabins will ensure a peaceful night’s sleep and enable you to feel right at home. The owner’s deck has large windows facing the bow, so as soon as you wake up you are faced with utter bliss. Moreover, it extends into a terrace which is a remarkable feature brimming with exclusivity and charm to enjoy a light breakfast or to get stuck into a book.

CLOUD 9 is available for charter in the Caribbean and Bahamas in the winter months, and Mediterranean in the Summer months – based out of Monaco on the French Riviera. She is for charter starting at €875,000 per week plus expenses. If CLOUD 9 floats your boat, speak to our expert brokers who will guide you through the process of chartering!

Posted on October 1, 2018 by Ben Sutton

Super Yacht of the Week: HERE COMES THE SUN

M/Y HERE COMES THE SUN at sail – Image Credit: Yachtfolio

HERE COMES THE SUN is a fitting name for a yacht that explores the sun-filled destinations, as well as brings the sunshine wherever she cruises. This 83m Amels beauty claims Super Yacht of the Week for a variety of reasons; her exotic cruising areas, outstanding deck features and unique wellness and spa amenities. She explores sought after destinations of South America, Alaska and California in the summer, before heading over to the French Polynesia, New Zealand and Seychelles in the Autumn/Winter. This sets her apart from other yachts with a riveting itinerary and chance to explore undiscovered gems.

The exterior of this Tim Heywood masterpiece is jaw-dropping to say the very least. Stroll to the bathing platform after an al fresco breakfast and stretch out on the comfortable sunbeds, with a dazzling backdrop of your chosen cruising area.

The infinity pool onboard M/Y HERE COMES THE SUN – Image credit: Yachtfolio.

When you need a refresher, head to the main deck where you will find an ‘Instagrammable’ infinity pool. Once the yacht is underway, a popular spot is the sundeck which offers shade, sunbeds and a Jacuzzi with panoramic views of the ocean and captivating coastline.

The interior of HERE COMES THE SUN is equally lavish. The owner’s suite is a marvel, with panoramic windows providing gorgeous views to wake up to in the morning. The interior matches the lively splashes of orange that ooze through the exterior, adding to the vibrant atmosphere of the yacht. The natural woods create a calming and neutral tone, which adds sophistication and a contemporary feel.

In case you aren’t relaxed enough, this yacht boasts a private deck wellness and spa! Get sweltering in the sauna and steam room, enjoy a massage or workout in the gym to stay in shape. To top off this relaxation, enjoy an evening in with a theatre room to screen the latest premieres in the comfort of your private yacht and great company.

If you are looking for an indulgent, majestic and glamorous voyage, HERE COMES THE SUN is the yacht for you. If you agree with our enthusiastic opinions, enquire with a broker to find out more.

HERE COMES THE SUN is available for charter in many fantastic destinations: the Caribbean including the Bahamas and Windward islands, the South Pacific including Fiji and French Polynesia and Australia! In the summer she is even based in the East Med, in Greece, Italy and France. She is for charter starting at €1,200,000 per week plus expenses. Please contact Boatbookings for more information on superyacht charter.

Posted on September 25, 2018 by Ben Sutton

A Day in the Life of an Intern – Part XII

My day as a VIP began, along with some of the other Boatbookings team members, from the old Port of Cannes – a delightful port that welcomes prestigious yachts, and also small authentic fishing boats. A group of us were going through the motions of a typical French Riviera day charter, such that we could greater understand the day charters our clients enjoy.

At 10 o’clock we boarded the Prestige 500s, a sleek day charter yacht of 16 metres. Once settled, we started cruising across the bay of Cannes, and within 15 min we arrived at the Iles des Lérins, the two islands just off the coast of Cannes. Between the two islands, the captain dropped anchor such that we could have a swim!

boatbookings, boatbookings team, day charter, day on a yacht, iles des lerins

On one side we had the island of Saint-Honorat, an impressive backdrop with the imposing Cistercian monastery. On the other side, the island of Santa Margherita is covered by a forest of pines and eucalyptus whose perfumes reached us on the water. All around us, the sea was all sorts of shades of blue. Who would have thought that we were just a few minutes from the glamorous and chic Cannes? Here the atmosphere was of peace, beauty and unspoiled nature.

boatbookings, day charter, day on a yacht, french riviera, iles des lerins, prestige 500s cannes, lerins islands day charter, — The aquamarine waters of the Iles Des Lerins really are that colour!

Immersed in this breathtaking landscape, the crew offered us an exquisite breakfast, made of croissants, pain au chocolat, coffees and water. (They then offered us towels, other soft drinks and snacks for the rest of the day – we were spoilt.) When we finished breakfast, we went for a swim in the crystal-clear, turquoise waters. After an hour, we set off cruising East the coast towards Monaco. We passed right in front of the wonderful Gulf of Juan les Pins, the Cap D’Antibes and Nice. From the yacht we admired the beautiful villas surrounded by the Mediterranean nature, as well as the magnificent yachts that we met on our way.

We stopped in the bay of Villefranche-sur-mer. Here the sea was incredibly calm and flat. This is a very popular destination along the Riviera for yachts and sailing boats, and we often recommend our clients to drop anchor here. Along the coast, there was the delightful (village/small town) of Villefranche-sur-mer with its picturesque houses painted in bright colours.

We had a quick swim here and then headed off again towards our lunch destination. We passed Saint Jean Cap-Ferrat and arrived in the bay of Eze Sur Mer where our captain called the tender for our restaurant of choice, Anjuna bay. We landed on the beach like real VIPs or almost, and we sat down at our table that had an amazing view of the sea. The restaurant was decorated in a nautical, shabby style.

anjuna, anjuna beach, eze, eze sur mer — The eclectic decor at Anjuna Beach, Eze sur Mer.

We had a wonderful and relaxing lunch, chatting and laughing and soon realised that the time had come to embark our yacht once again, and head back to Cannes. At 5 o’clock we went back on board and started cruising towards Cannes with the sun slowly descending. We enjoyed the view of the French Riviera coast once again, impressive as it is, from the comfort of our private boat. Arriving in Cannes, we disembarked around 6pm from the Old Port of Cannes – all very excitable about the magnificent day we had just had!

Working at Boatbookings, you very quickly learn that you are in a collaborative, team-focused environment and this day was no exception. Spending a day out of the office with my colleagues was a fantastic way to get to know them a lot better, and also the business of yacht chartering! I very much look forward to joining the Boatbookings team full time in London, upon graduation.

Posted on September 18, 2018 by Ben Sutton